BOTTOMS UP
Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival, one of the largest brew fests in Arizona, happens Saturday, June 9, and features more than 50 breweries and distilleries. Pepsi Amphitheater, situated in a green, forested bowl at the heart of Fort Tuthill County Park, makes for a perfect venue for beer tastings, competitions and brewers’ exhibits while music and food vendors create a party atmosphere from 1-5 p.m. At this event, every dollar raised goes toward the nonprofit Sun Sounds of Arizona, which provides audio access to a variety of information for disabled people who cannot read print. Visit www.azbeer.com/flagstaff.htm or call 928-421-4970.
PLAY THE BLUES
Also happening June 9, Flagstaff Blues and Brews music festival will be playing that funky music on the east side of town. The lineup of national and regional blues acts will be jamming from 11:30 a.m. until the event ends at 9:30 p.m. Last year more than 4,000 fans gathered at the Continental Country Club Driving Range for a blend of blues, beer and the great outdoors. Vendors serve up food, beer and wine against the backdrop of Mount Elden. Artisans and a kids’ area all contribute toward making this a favorite northern Arizona event. Visit www.flagstaffblues.com.
CELEBRATE EQUALITY
The 4,000-plus strong Pride in the Pines kicks off its 22nd anniversary on the night of June 22 at the Orpheum Theater with performances by Bella Gigante and Circus Bacchus. Gates to the merriment open the next day at noon at the Thorpe Park Complex. You can support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) community of northern Arizona while shopping local artist’s booths, perusing informative exhibits, enjoying food and drink, and rocking to live entertainment until 9 p.m. Performers include Ricky Rebel and headliner and Grammy winner Mya. Bonus: The festival is pet friendly. Visit www.flagstaffpride.org/pride-pines-2018.
FUN AND GAMES
The Arizona Highland Celtic Festival returns July 21-22 to Foxglenn Park for its 20th year. During the two-day fest, you’ll absorb the ancient rhythms of traditional, folk and modern-tribal Celtic bands. The long-running festival is known for its heart-pounding bagpipe bands and solos, along with signature events such as the Highland Games, Tug o’ War and the kids’ Oatmeal Toss. Wander the displays and educational exhibits to learn more about Celtic societies, spirituality, genealogy and geology. Don’t miss the whiskey tastings, Celtic music workshops and kids activities. Visit www.nachs.info/festival.shtml.
THAT HIGH AND LONESOME SOUND
Cap off the Flagstaff festival season with Pickin’ in the Pines Sept. 14-16. The award-winning bluegrass-and-acoustic-music festival is held under the tall pines at the Pepsi Amphitheater with its large, general-admission lawn and ticketed seats. Family-friendly workshops (designed for musicians but open to all), band contests and barn dances take place in the indoor-and-outdoor facilities throughout Fort Tuthill County Park. Although bluegrass is one focus of the festival, other forms of acoustic music such as old-time, Celtic, gypsy jazz and more are featured as well. Check out performance schedules, workshop times and side-stage events for jamming opportunities at www.pickininthepines.org.
THIS MONTH IN FLAGSTAFF
June 16: 12th Annual Gala and Fine Art Auction, Museum of Northern Arizona; www.musnaz.org
June 23: Wildflower Walk, The Arboretum at Flagstaff; www.thearb.org/visit/tours-and-activities
June 30–July 1: Flagstaff Folk Festival, Coconino Center for the Arts and Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum; www.flagfolkfest.org
Stacey Wittig is an award-winning travel writer and author located in Flagstaff, Arizona. For more travel & world-wide adventures visit Stacey’s website at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.
